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Though it's beyond the scope of this tutorial to go into great detail on using
forms and controls, we do want to highlight their potential value in building
Monte Carlo simulations.
As highlighted by the screenshot below from the FastSlow example, a variety of
control types can be used with worksheets. (Those illustrated here are the
spin button, the combo box, and the list box.)
The primary benefits of using form controls are (1) to simplify data input and
(2) to restrict input to a defined set of options. This can help reduce
user error when using the spreadsheet model.
To insert a control using Excel 2007, click the "Insert" button under the
"Developer" ribbon tab. Select the desired control, then drag a rectangle
on your worksheet where you wish the control to be placed.
"Form Controls" can be edited (assigned values, etc) by right-clicking on the
control and selecting "Format control..." from the drop-down menu.
"ActiveX" controls can be edited by selecting "Design Mode" in the Develop Tab,
then clicking "Properties" also in the Developer Tab.
In Excel 2003 and earlier versions, controls are selected from the
Control Toolbox. Make sure it is selected in the View - Toolbars drop-down
menu. From the Control Toolbox, insert controls in your worksheet using
the same method described above. Edit the controls by first clicking the
leftmost icon on the Control Toolbox - the "Design Mode" button - then clicking
the second button on the toolbox - the "Properties" button.
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